APC Chairman Says Tinubu’s 2027 Nomination Form Already Secured as Kogi Youths Donate N100m

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has directed party members and groups planning to purchase the 2027 presidential nomination form for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt such moves, saying the form has already been procured.

Yilwatda made the announcement on Monday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja after receiving a N100 million Zenith Bank cheque from a coalition of Kogi youths led by Governor Ahmed Ododo. “With this payment, henceforth, I want to make an announcement that nobody should bother to bring money to buy a form for Mr. President again. Because the form has been procured in advance. And I want to thank you for this procurement,” Yilwatda said.

The APC chairman confirmed that the N100 million was already deposited in the party’s account, dismissing any notion of the gesture being a mere “voice note” or “promissory note.” He expressed surprise and delight at the gesture, noting that while other groups had made verbal commitments, the Kogi youths were the first to provide actual funds.

Justifying the donation, the leadership of the Kogi youth group said the move was a response to the “green and positive” economic indices and the president’s commitment to security. They cited the appointment of key officials from the state and the synergy between the federal government and Governor Ododo in tackling local security challenges as primary motivators. “They said the economy has improved, and all indices are looking green and positive. They said Mr. President is tackling security in their state, along with Mr. Governor, and the pockets of the people disturbing them within the communities. Mr. President has sent military men, and Mr. Governor has provided the enabling environment by providing supporting devices for the military to tackle them,” Yilwatda said.

The chairman praised the youth for their approach, noting that they did not come to the party to seek appointments or patronage. “This represented a total departure from the past culture where youths were hangers-on, noting that they took leadership initiative for a better future,” he said.

The donation comes amid multiple groups raising funds for Tinubu’s re-election bid. The Northern Nigeria Youth Leaders Forum announced that it raised N200 million to purchase the APC presidential nomination form for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. The cheque for N200 million was presented to the Director-General of the Tinubu Support Groups, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, during a high-level youth leadership and stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

Similarly, the South East Renewed Hope Agenda announced the allocation of ₦200 million to purchase the APC presidential nomination form and support campaign logistics for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. The National Coordinator, Belusochukwu Enwere, said: “As ambassadors of Renewed Hope, we are tasked with working tirelessly towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Today, we present a cheque of ₦200 million for the purchase of the presidential nomination form and associated logistics.”

Also, the Take Action Campaign for Tinubu, in a letter dated April 4, 2026, addressed to Yilwatda, indicated plans to purchase the presidential Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the president’s re-election bid. The group said the initiative is being funded by “well-meaning Nigerians at home and in the diaspora” committed to seeing the administration’s policies fully implemented.

The APC National Working Committee, zonal leaders, state chairmen, and the party’s Governors’ Forum had earlier adopted Tinubu as the party’s presidential candidate for 2027. APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje had said, “On behalf of the National Working Committee I hereby affirm the various endorsements and declare President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as sole presidential candidate of APC.”

Deputy National Organising Secretary of the APC, Chidi Duru, however, said the party remains open to aspirants willing to test their popularity. “It is not that we are likely, we will have a consensus. That is an indication of the APC being a democratic party. But should it happen that there is a member of the party who would like to throw his hat in the ring? He is more than welcome,” he said.

The Kogi APC youths had on Sunday presented the N100 million cheque to Governor Ododo at a rally at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja. Babangida Onimisi, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, said the decision to buy the form affirmed their endorsement of the President for a second term. “Your Excellency, the N100 million cheque we are presenting to you today is for the purchase of the presidential nomination form for our President. We want to continue with Tinubu’s promising journey to the promised land, for the good of all citizens of this country. Our votes are for Tinubu come 2027,” Onimisi said.

Governor Ododo described the donation as a reflection of confidence by young people who assessed Tinubu’s leadership on performance. “The youths of Kogi state have spoken with one loud, clear and courageous voice. This endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not emotional; it is informed. It is the decision of young people who can think, who can judge results, and who understand leadership,” Ododo said.

The 2027 general elections are due in early 2027. Presidents in Nigeria can serve a maximum of two four-year terms.